GUIDELINES for BUILDING ENERGY EFFICIENT NEW HOMES with the URA. November 3, Version 2.0

Transcription

1 GUIDELINES for BUILDING ENERGY EFFICIENT NEW HOMES with the URA November 3, Version 2.0

2 Welcome The Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh (URA) is the City of Pittsburgh s economic development agency, committed to creating jobs, expanding the City s tax base and improving the vitality of businesses and neighborhoods. We have committed ourselves to foster, encourage, and support sustainable development and green building practices to the maximum extent practical and possible in the City of Pittsburgh. To that end, the URA has adopted a Sustainability and Green Design Policy which includes all aspects of our activities from day-to-day operations to the creation of large-scale mixed-use developments. The benefits of green buildings are both broad and specific. For businesses, green buildings can offer economic advantages including lower operating costs, increased productivity, reduced absenteeism, and higher rental and retail sales rates. Green residential developments provide occupants with lower monthly utility bills as well as increased comfort and indoor air quality. Pittsburgh is recognized as a leader in the construction of green buildings and we believe that the maintenance of this position is advantageous. On the following pages you will find a summary of our requirements for new residential construction. These new requirements are part of an ongoing effort by the URA to build quality, affordable housing that is healthy and comfortable for occupants and less harmful to the environment. Please let us know if you have any questions or comments about this guide or suggestions for how to improve it. Please contact us if we can assist you in moving your project forward. Sincerely, Rob Stephany Executive Director

3 Table of Contents Introduction 4 About ENERGY STAR. For New Homes 6 ENERGY STAR. Version 3 (ENERGY STAR. 2011) 7 ENERGY STAR. Version 3 Implementation Schedule 8 About Indoor airplus 10 Indoor airplus Program Requirements 12 Moisture Control 12 Radon 12 Manual J Load Calculations 12 Ductwork 13 Continuous Ventilation 13 Local Exhaust Ventilation 14 Attached Garages 16 Low Emitting Materials 16 URA Process for Energy Efficient New Residential Development 17 Resources 21

4 Page 4 Introduction The Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh (URA) now requires all new residential construction projects that we build or finance earn the ENERGY STAR. ENERGY STAR specifications make homes more energy efficient and comfortable which helps homeowners save money on utility bills and prevents unwanted pollution from energy production (mercury, particulates, CO2, etc.) from entering our atmosphere. The URA has also adopted the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Indoor airplus specifications which address other aspects of whole house performance*. These additional specifications help make homes that have earned the ENERGY STAR even more durable and healthy to live in by addressing issues including moisture and indoor air quality. This manual aims to provide a brief overview of both the ENERGY STAR for New Homes Program and the EPA s Indoor airplus Program and to highlight some of the often overlooked aspects of these two programs. The goal of this guidance is to help ensure that these items are incorporated by the development team into drawings and specifications prior to putting projects out to bid. This guide is not intended to be a comprehensive explanation of the ENERGY STAR for New Homes Program or the EPA Indoor airplus Program. A complete set of guidelines to building ENERGY STAR qualified homes is available here: A complete list of specifications for the EPA Indoor airplus program are available here *NOTE: While the URA requires that all new residential construction projects earn the ENERGY STAR, we currently only require that specifications (and not inspection and verification requirements) from the EPA Indoor airplus program be incorporated into drawings and specifications. Items 6.1, 6.2, and 6.3 from the Indoor airplus Verification Checklist must be shown as alternates in bid proposals. Items 2.2, 5.6, and 7.3 are not currently required by the URA.

5 Page 5 Introduction (cont d) For an overview of the URA s Process for Energy Efficient New Residential Development including submittals, inspections, testing, and approvals required to receive URA financing for new residential construction please refer to page 17 of this manual. IMPORTANT NOTICE: Starting on January 1, 2011 the ENERGY STAR for New Homes Program will incorporate new requirements which combine aspects of the existing program with the moisture management requirements of the EPA Indoor airplus Program as well as some of the URA s requirements for quality HVAC installation. Please refer to the ENERGY STAR Version 3 section of this document for more information on these changes on page 7. As of January 1, 2011 the URA will no longer require the specifications from the EPA Indoor airplus Program to be followed but instead will adopt the moisture management requirements from the new Water Management Builder and Rater Checklists that are part of ENERGY STAR Version 3 for New Homes to be followed.

6 Page 6 About ENERGY STAR for New Homes P ROGR AM OVERVIEW ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy helping us all save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices. Results are already adding up. Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR, saved enough energy in 2009 alone to avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to that of 30 million cars all while saving nearly $17 billion on their utility bills. To earn the ENERGY STAR, a home must meet strict guidelines for energy efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These homes are at least 15% more energy efficient than homes built to the 2004 International Residential Code (IRC), and include additional energy-saving features that typically make them 20 30% more efficient than standard homes. Homes achieve this level of performance through a combination of energy efficient improvements, including: Effective Insulation Systems High Performance Windows Tight Construction and Ducts Efficient Heating and Cooling Equipment ENERGY STAR Qualified Lighting and Appliances To ensure that a home meets ENERGY STAR guidelines, third party verification by a certified Home Energy Rater is required. This Rater works closely with the builder throughout the construction process to help determine the needed energy saving equipment and construction techniques and conduct required on site diagnostic testing and inspections to document that the home is eligible to earn the ENERGY STAR.

7 Page 7 ENERGY STAR Version 3 (ENERGY STAR 2011) Since the inception of the ENERGY STAR for New Homes program, the program s requirements have evolved. A major update to the ENERGY STAR for New Homes program has been developed over the last couple of years and will be phased beginning on January 1, It is important to note that projects permitted after January 1, 2011 will be required to complete the following checklists in addition to the revised version of the Thermal Enclosure System checklist but these checklists will not be enforced (i.e. required for attainment of ENERGY STAR) until January 1, These new checklists will replace the Indoor airplus checklist that is currently required. See the graphic on the following page regarding the ENERGY STAR for New Homes Version 3 Implementation Schedule. Required Checklists as of January 1, 2011: Thermal Enclosure System Rater Checklist (enforced) HVAC System Quality Installation Contractor Checklist (completed but not enforced until January 1, 2012) HVAC System Quality Installation Rater Checklist (completed but not enforced until January 1, 2012) Water Management System Builder Checklist (completed but not enforced until January 1, 2012) For more information on ENERGY STAR New Homes Version 3 including the implementation schedule, downloadable checklists, and frequently asked questions please visit:

8 Page 8 ENERGY STAR Version 3 (ENERGY STAR 2011) I MPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE This graphic illustrates the implementation timeline for the ENERGY STAR New Homes Version 3.0 guidelines, which generally occurs beginning January 1, Single-family homes include detached homes, townhomes, rowhomes, duplexes, and triplexes. 2. Only condos and apartments in multi-family buildings may use this extended implementation schedule. Further, all multi-family homes financed through lowincome housing agencies and permitted prior to January 1, 2011 many earn the ENERGY STAR under the last iteration of the guidelines, Version 2.0, until January 1, 2013.

9 Page 9 ENERGY STAR Version 3 (ENERGY STAR 2011) I MPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE (CONT D) The implementation date is determined using the house type (single-family versus multi-family), permit date, and qualification date of a home. Single-family homes with permit date prior to January 1, 2011 and completion date before July 1, 2011 may qualify under Version 2.0 of the guidelines. Single-family homes with permit date prior to January 1, 2011 and completion date between July 1, 2011 and January 1, 2012 may qualify under Version 2.5 of the guidelines. Single-family homes with permit date after January 1, 2012 and completion date beyond January 1, 2012 may qualify under Version 3.0 of the guidelines. Multi-family buildings with permit date prior to January 1, 2011 and completion date before January 1, 2012 may qualify under Version 2.0 of the guidelines. Multi-family buildings with permit date after January 1, 2012 and completion date beyond January 1, 2012 may qualify under Version 3.0 of the guidelines. All homes with permit date on or after January 1, 2011 and completion date prior to January 1, 2012 may qualify under Version 2.5 of the guidelines. All homes with permit date after January 1, 2012 and completion date beyond January 1, 2012 may qualify under Version 3.0 of the guidelines.

10 Page 10 About Indoor airplus P ROGR AM OVERVIEW The air tightness of homes that have earned ENERGY STAR reduces energy consumption for heating and cooling, which also makes the issue of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) more of a priority. The EPA created Indoor airplus to help builders meet the growing consumer preference for homes with improved indoor air quality. In addition to proper ventilation and radon control the following areas should receive special attention in ENERGY STAR qualified homes: Moisture Control Moisture can lead to mold and other biological pollutants that can cause health problems. With Indoor airplus, builders use a variety of moisture control features designed to minimize these risks, including improved control of condensation and better roof, wall and foundation drainage. Radon Control Exposure to radon, a naturally occurring radioactive, invisible, and odorless gas, is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Indoor airplus specifications include radon-resistant construction techniques (in areas with high radon potential). Heating, Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) Poorly designed and installed HVAC systems can lead to comfort problems and reduce indoor air quality. Indoor airplus includes properly engineered systems, improved duct and equipment installation, improved filtration, and whole-house and spot ventilation to dilute and remove indoor air pollutants. Builders also inspect air-handling equipment and ductwork to ensure they are clean and free of debris and provide adequate air flow. Combustion Venting Poorly vented heating equipment can cause combustion gases to accumulate inside the home. Indoor airplus can help protect you from exposure to combustion pollutants by using properly vented heating equipment, installing carbon monoxide alarms in all sleeping areas, and taking steps to stop garage pollutants from entering your home.

11 Page 11 About Indoor airplus (cont d) Building Materials The types of materials that builders choose and the way they manage them during construction can improve a home s indoor air quality. Indoor airplus specifications reduce the sources of pollutants inside the home by protecting materials stored on-site from weather damage, using materials with less chemicals, and ventilating the home prior to move-in. For more information on the Indoor airplus Program including model construction specifications and details and a downloadable checklist go to: indoorairplus/index.html

12 Page 12 Indoor airplus Program Requirements M OSITURE CONTROL (EPA Indoor airplus Item ) Homes that have earned ENERGY STAR are more airtight than conventionally built homes, and therefore are less forgiving of issues relating to moisture. It is especially important to ensure proper drainage of bulk water away from the home. This means proper layering of the drainage plane and proper flashing around all windows, doors, and roof intersections. It also means proper grading away from homes and proper roof and gutter details. R ADON (EPA Indoor airplus Item 2.1) All residential units must be equipped with radon control systems per local code (IRC 2006, Appendix F). These systems must include: Perforated under slab piping. A continuous and sealed under slab vapor barrier (6-mil polyethylene or equivalent). Internal piping venting through the roof of the unit. Installation of a junction box immediately adjacent to the piping through the attic in case testing reveals that mechanical ventilation must be added to the passive system. All units must provide attic access through an access hatch or other means. M ANUAL J LOAD CALCUL ATIONS (EPA Indoor airplus Item 4.1) Manual J load calculations must be done for each unit type to determine the proper sizing of heating and cooling equipment. Prior to final construction documents the project architect must submit a Manual J load calculation summary report showing the inputs, calculated loads, and recommended equipment sizing. Calculations should use Tight under Construction Quality in the Infiltration Section using the Simplified Calculation Method.

13 Page 13 Indoor airplus Program Requirements (cont d) D UCTWORK (EPA Indoor airplus Item ) Duct Systems must be sized according to ACCA Manual D, ASHRAE Handbooks, or equivalent software and be substantially airtight, properly balanced, and protected from construction debris. All supply and return paths must be fully ducted and cannot use panned returns or building cavities. All seams and joints in ductwork must be sealed with UL-181 approved duct sealing mastic or UL-181 approved foil tape. No ductwork or mechanical equipment should be located in garage spaces. Every effort should be made to keep ductwork out of ceiling and wall framing adjacent to attached garages. In no instance should return ductwork be located in attached garage ceilings or walls. C ONTINUOUS VENTIL ATION (EPA Indoor airplus Item 4.5) Homes that have earned the ENERGY STAR are more airtight than conventional homes and require mechanical ventilation to ensure that the minimum required amount of fresh air is being supplied to the building occupants. There is some question regarding the reasoning for going through the effort to make a building tighter and then using mechanical ventilation to bring in fresh air, instead of building a less airtight structure to begin with. It is very difficult to provide the right amount of ventilation through haphazard holes in the building envelope, providing either too much or too little air. Building an airtight envelope and then providing controlled ventilation allows for just the right amount of ventilation based on the actual measured air tightness of the building envelope. In order to achieve the right amount of mechanical ventilation the URA requires a bath fan rated for continuous operation to be installed in one upstairs bathroom. The fan must be ENERGY STAR qualified and should be equipped with a motion sensor, variable speed control, and a delay which returns the fan to the lower background ventilation within a pre-defined period of time after the motion sensor is activated.

14 Page 14 Indoor airplus Program Requirements (cont d) Your HERS rater will tell you what size fan to specify based on their plan review and REM/Rate energy model. The variable speed fan will be adjustable through a range of CFM settings. The final background ventilation rate will be set once the HERS rater s performance testing has revealed what the actual air tightness of the building envelope is. This rate is based upon the ASHRAE 62.2 ventilation requirement of 7.5 CFM per person + 1CFM per 100 square feet of floor area. The following fans currently meet the URA s requirements for continuous ventilation equipment (Please note, the URA does not endorse any particular manufacturer. The following are simply products that have been found to meet our requirements. There may be other products available and the URA encourages you to research products before specifying.): Panasonic WhisperGreen Ventilation Fans whisper-green.asp L OC AL EXHAUST VENTILATION (EPA Indoor airplus Item 4.6) All kitchen hoods, bath fans, and clothes dryers must be ducted to the outdoors. Suggested ventilation rates for each of these areas are listed below: Bathrooms Bathroom Size Calculation Formula Ventilation Rate Required Less than 100 square feet More than 100 square feet 1 CFM per square foot of floor area Add the CFM requirement for each fixture A minimum of 50 CFM* Toilet: 50 CFM Shower: 50 CFM Bathtub: 50 CFM Jetted tub: 100 CFM Source: Home Ventilating Institute HowMuchVent.html *Bathrooms with a continuous ventilation fan set to run at a minimum continuous ventilation rate of 20 CFM do not need to meet the above requirements.

15 Page 15 Indoor airplus Program Requirements (cont d) Kitchens Location of Range HVI recommended ventilation rate per linear foot of range Minimum ventilation rate per linear foot of range Against a wall 100 CFM 40 CFM In an Island 150 CFM 50 CFM Width of hood against a wall 2.5 feet (30 inches) 3 feet (36 inches) 4 feet (48 inches) HVI recommended rate 250 CFM 300 CFM 400 CFM Minimum 100 CFM 120 CFM 160 CFM For hoods located over islands multiply the rate by 1.5. For professional-style cook tops, HVI recommends following the cook top manufacturer s advice to determine ventilation requirements. Inflated performance ratings are common for range hoods that are not HVI- Certified. Selecting range hoods with HVI-Certified Performance Ratings will ensure that ventilation expectations and building code requirements are met. Dryers The maximum length of duct permitted by code for a dryer is 25 ft. This maximum length should be reduced by 2.5 ft for each 45-degree bend and 5 ft. for each 90- degree bend. Ventilation General For all local ventilation ductwork the shortest possible length of ductwork should be used. All ductwork must be a minimum nominal size of 4 inches (4 ) in diameter. Rigid sheet metal is required for all local ventilation ductwork to reduce resistance to airflow and to prevent restriction of airflow due to kinks, excessive bends, and sagging of ductwork (common with flexible ductwork). Seams in local ventilation ductwork must be sealed with UL-181 approved duct sealing mastic or UL-181 approved foil tape. All ductwork in unconditioned space must be insulated with a minimum of R-8 Insulation covered with a vapor barrier to prevent condensation from occurring on the inside or outside of the ductwork.

16 Page 16 Indoor airplus Program Requirements (cont d) ATTACHED GAR AGES (EPA Indoor airplus Item ) Attached garages must be completely isolated from the occupied areas of the home. There must be a complete air barrier between the ceiling and walls of attached garages and adjacent spaces. There must not be any pathways for air to travel from the attached garages into the occupied areas of the home. The following are ways in which this can be achieved: Closed cell urethane foam insulation installed up to the required R-value for the assembly (e.g. exterior walls, floors over unconditioned spaces). A flash spray of closed cell urethane foam to achieve an air barrier and any combination of cellulose, fiberglass, or rigid insulation up to the required R-value for the assembly. Sealing any penetrations in framing members and floor sheathing material prior to drywall. After drywall is installed seal all gaps around outlets and any other penetrations through drywall. Install blocking (wood or rigid foam) in joist bays above common garage/house walls and seal with closed cell urethane foam. Doors between the occupied areas of the home and attached garages must be rated for exterior use, insulated, and equipped with weather-stripping and self closing hinges. If supply ductwork is located in common garage/house ceiling and wall framing a continuous bead of caulk or adhesive should be used on the joists/studs adjacent to the ductwork. If supply ductwork is located in common garage/house ceiling and wall framing a continuous bead of caulk or adhesive should be used on the joists/studs adjacent to the ductwork. L OW EMITTING MATERI ALS (EPA Indoor airplus Item ) Materials installed in ENERGY STAR qualified homes should be low-emitting in terms of their ability to off gas harmful chemicals like VOC s and formaldehyde. The EPA Indoor airplus specifications address this in items 6.1, 6.2, and 6.3. The URA requires developers to request alternate bids for these items in bid documents.

17 Page 17 URA Process For Energy Efficient New Residential Development Steps 1-10 below should occur prior to setting final project budget 1. Prior to Design Review Committee Meeting, Architect/Developer provides Conceptual Designs for each unit type to Development Officer who forwards to Sustainability Coordinator for review and comment (digital copies preferred). 2. At Design Review Committee Meeting, Sustainability Coordinator provides Development Team (Developer and Architect) with Guidelines for Building Energy Efficient Homes with the URA manual and answers any questions development team may have regarding ENERGY STAR and EPA Indoor airplus specifications. 3. Architect or Developer submits UNSIGNED HERS Rater Pricing Proposal and Scope to Development Officer who forwards to Sustainability Coordinator (with copy to Construction Division Manager) for review and approval of cost and scope. 4. Development Officer organizes Design Development Meeting with architect, Developer, HERS Rater, and Sustainability Coordinator to discuss project goals and to select alternative assemblies to be modeled. Steps 5 8 can occur simultaneously: 5. Architect provides Preliminary Plan Set and Specifications for each unit type to HERS Rater for review and energy modeling. 6. HERS Rater submits Plan Review Comments, Projected Ratings for modeled alternatives and Modeling and Plan Review Invoice to architect/ developer who sends copies to Development Officer. Development Officer forwards these documents to Sustainability Coordinator for review and approval. 7. Architect provides Preliminary Plan Set and Specifications for each unit type to Development Officer who forwards to Sustainability Coordinator for review and comment (digital copies preferred). 8. Sustainability Coordinator reviews Preliminary Plan Set and Specifications and sends Redlined Preliminary Plan Set and Specifications to Development Officer who forwards them to the Development Team.

18 Page 18 URA Process For Energy Efficient New Residential Development (cont d) 9. PRIOR TO CONTRACTOR BIDDING, Architect creates Revised Drawings and Specifications based on redlined drawings and comments from Sustainability Coordinator, URA Architect and HERS Rater. Contractor Bid Proposals should include pricing for alternate assemblies and equipment modeled in energy model. 10. PRIOR TO FINAL CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS, Architect submits Revised Drawings and Specifications, including Manual J Load calculations showing proper sizing of HVAC systems and Manual D duct sizing worksheet or annotated layout for each unit type to Development Officer who forwards them to Sustainability Coordinator for review and comment (digital copies preferred). Revised submissions will follow the same path for review until the final documents have been accepted by the Sustainability Coordinator. When the final drawings and specifications have been approved, the Sustainability Coordinator will send an approval memo to the Development Officer. 11. Architect notifies HERS Rater and Development Officer about time and date of Construction Kickoff Meeting. Development Officer notifies Construction Advisor and Sustainability Coordinator about time and date of meeting. At Construction Kickoff Meeting, Sustainability Coordinator discusses URA policy requiring ENERGY STAR qualification and gives an overview of ENERGY STAR specifications and rationale. Sustainability Coordinator provides at least one copy of URA Energy-Efficient Guidelines and Thermal Bypass Checklist Guide to Development Team. HERS Rater describes their inspection and testing process and requirements. Development Team presents Preliminary Construction Schedule. 12. Architect notifies Development Officer about times and dates of Construction Progress Meetings. Development Officer notifies Construction Advisor and Sustainability Coordinator about times and dates of meetings. 13. PRIOR TO INSULATION, Site Supervisor notifies HERS Rater, Architect, and Construction Advisor that they are ready for Pre-Insulation Thermal Bypass Inspection (1 week minimum advance notice if possible). 14. Construction Advisor notifies Development Officer and Sustainability Coordinator about date and time of Pre-insulation Thermal Bypass Inspection.

19 URA Process For Energy Efficient New Residential Development (cont d) Page After Pre-Insulation Thermal Bypass Inspection, HERS Rater will provide written summary of any items that either did not meet the inspection criteria or could not be confirmed at the time of the inspection to the Site Supervisor, Architect, and Construction Advisor. Construction Advisor will provide copy to Development Officer and Sustainability Coordinator. Any items that need to be confirmed by HERS Rater must be completed prior to drywall installation. A maximum of 6 items can be confirmed by Site Supervisor. Site supervisor must photograph any self verified items and submit copies of photographs (digital preferred) to HERS Rater and Construction Advisor. Construction advisor will send copies of photos to Loan Officer and Sustainability Coordinator. 16. PRIOR TO DRYWALL, Site Supervisor notifies HERS Rater, Architect, and Construction Advisor that they are ready for Pre-Drywall Thermal Bypass Inspection (1 week min advance notice if possible). Construction Advisor notifies Development Officer and Sustainability Coordinator about date and time of Pre-Drywall Thermal Bypass Inspection. After Pre-Drywall Thermal Bypass Inspection, HERS Rater will provide written summary of any items that either did not meet the inspection criteria or could not be confirmed at the time of the inspection to the Site Supervisor, Architect, and Construction Advisor. Construction Advisor will provide a copy to Development Officer and Sustainability Coordinator. HERS Rater and/or Site Supervisor must confirm that outstanding items from Thermal Bypass Checklist have been completed prior to installation of drywall. A maximum of 6 items can be confirmed by Site Supervisor Site supervisor must photograph any self verified items and submit copies of photographs (digital preferred) to HERS Rater and Construction Advisor. HERS Rater submits written document (can be signed copy of completed Thermal Bypass Checklist) confirming successful completion of Thermal Bypass Inspection to Site Supervisor, Architect, and Construction Advisor. Construction Advisor provides copies to Development Officer and Sustainability Coordinator (digital copies preferred). HERS Rater submits Inspection Invoice to Architect once inspections for all units have been completed. Architect submits copy of Inspection Invoice to Development Officer who forwards to Sustainability Coordinator for approval. Note: The two above inspections can be combined at the discretion of the HERS rater. At a minimum at least one unit (the first) must be inspected with two separate inspections.

20 Page 20 URA Process For Energy Efficient New Residential Development (cont d) 17.POST CONSTRUCTION, HERS Rater coordinates with Site Supervisor to schedule Performance Testing (Site Supervisor should confirm what needs to be completed e.g. registers, thermostats, electrical cover plates, attic access weather-stripping, etc.). HERS Rater notifies Architect and Construction Advisor when Performance Testing is to occur (1 week minimum advance notice if possible). Construction Advisor notifies Development Officer and Sustainability Coordinator about date and time of Performance Testing. 18. HERS Rater conducts Performance Testing and notifies Site Supervisor, Architect, and Construction Advisor of results of testing. Construction Advisor notifies Development Officer and Sustainability Coordinator of results. a. If Performance Testing reveals that the home will not meet ENERGY STAR performance levels, HERS Rater must immediately notify Site Supervisor, Architect, and Construction Advisor IN WRITING about suspected reasons for failure and potential ways in which the failure can be remedied. Construction Advisor forwards this information to Development Officer and Sustainability Coordinator. b. If Performance Testing reveals that the home will meet ENERGY STAR performance levels, HERS Rater submits AS BUILT REMRate Files/Reports and Draft Confirmed Ratings to Architect, Developer, and Development Officer who forwards this information to Sustainability Coordinator. 19. HERS Rater submits ENERGY STAR Documentation to HERS Provider to receive ENERGY STAR qualification labels and certificates. Upon receipt of ENERGY STAR labels and certificates HERS Rater provides Original Copies of ENERGY STAR certificates to Developer and Copies of ENERGY STAR certificates to Builder, Architect, and Development Officer. Development Officer sends copy of certificates to Sustainability Coordinator. HERS Rater submits Final Testing and Certification Invoice to Architect with qualification documentation for all units. Architect submits copy of Final Testing and Certification Invoice to Development Officer who forwards to Sustainability Coordinator for review and approval. 20. Development Officer makes arrangements with Developer, Architect, and HERS Rater to label homes and notifies Construction Advisor and Sustainability Coordinator of time and date of labeling. If you have any questions regarding any of the information in this manual please contact URA Sustainable Design Coordinator Matthew Smuts at

21 Page 21 Resources ENERGY STAR FOR THE NEW H OME INDUSTRY N EW GUIDELINES FOR ENERGY STAR QUALIFIED NEW HOMES (ENERGY STAR VERSION 3) T HERM AL BYPAS S GUIDE TBC_Guide_ pdf T HERM AL BYPAS S CHECKLIST The Thermal Bypass Checklist is a comprehensive visual inspection of building details where thermal bypass. For a home to be qualified as ENERGY STAR, a Thermal Bypass Checklist must be completed by a certified Home Energy Rater. Thermal_Bypass_Inspection_Checklist.pdf EPA INDOOR AIRPLUS HOME PAGE EPA INDOOR AIRPLUS CONSTRUCTION SPECIFICATIONS L OCAL CERTIFIED HERS RATERS For third party inspections and final testing. W H AT IS THE HERS INDEX?

22 Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh 200 Ross Street Pittsburgh, PA t: f: